Blue Hens Women’s Lacrosse Spends Fall Season Giving Back to the Community

By Delaware Athletics

Nov 20, 2013

NEWARK, Del.– The Delaware women’s lacrosse team has been very productive this off-season on and off of the field as the team balanced fall ball scrimmages alongside being actively involved with community service.

In early October, the Blue Hens participated in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” in Bel Air, Md. The event supports a cause that hits home for multiple of the current team members in addition to alumni. Former players, including Julianna Jeffers, Kenzie Worthington, Kalyn McDonough and Morgan Clute Cook, joined current Hens for the walk.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is a cause that is near to my heart because of my grandmother suffering, and ultimately losing her life, to the awful disease,” commented senor Abbie Hartman (Hatfield, Pa.). “I am so grateful and appreciative to have my team support something so special to my family and I, while helping try and put an end to this disease.”

The Blue Hens also continued to work with their ‘adopted’ team member, Abby Supplee, who is involved with the B+ Foundation. The team adopted Abby (at left) in 2011 and to date, she is in complete remission. Delaware welcomed her to the sidelines for its scrimmage against Richmond and look forward to seeing her on the sidelines in the future.

“Abby is not just our B+ kid, she’s a part of our Delaware lacrosse family,” junior Kierstan Smith (Medford Lakes, N.J.) remarked. “Her story and perseverance inspires our whole team, which is why we go into battle every game day fighting in her honor. It was such a pleasant surprise seeing her come out to our game against Richmond, which made that day even more of a reason to get that “W.” I speak for the entire team when I say we are truly blessed we have met such an amazing girl. She has touched all of our lives and seeing her grow up right before our eyes is a true gift. The locker with ‘Abby Supplee #2’ in our locker room will forever be reserved for our hero.”

UD lacrosse also recognized and supported breast cancer awareness during their play day at the end of October. Additionally, the Blue Hens participated alongside Towson University in the annual ‘Pigskin Pass,’ a 58-mile relay run starting at the 50-yard line of Delaware Stadium and ending on the 50-yard line of Johnny Unitas® Stadium in Towson. The Pigskin Pass benefitted Special Olympics of Delaware and Special Olympics of Maryland. The Hens also spend time volunteering with the Delaware Humane Animal Shelter.

“Community service is about giving back and helping others in need,” stated senior Bridget Burns (Newtown Square, Pa.). “There is a great satisfaction you receive from being a part of something bigger than yourself. As a team, we realize that there are challenges that people face every day that we take for granted. Our experiences have been nothing but positive and rewarding. We look forward to helping more organizations throughout the entire year.”